“They were advisors all the way through,” said Howard. Most, if not all, of the San Diego tribal casinos are opening between May 18 and the end of the month, with Pala and Rincon all on the 22nd,” said Howard. “We spoke to all those entities and reached a consensus that it was not to be before May 18. The conversation began last week, shortly after Governor Newsom’s stay-at-home order was lifted. There were probably eight or ten entities that were involved.” This decision was made in anything but a bubble. “The decision was arrived by the tribal chairman, Steve Cope in conjunction with all the tribal chairs of Southern California and San Diego county in particular-and in conjunction with our board of directors, whose chairman is Joe Navarro and our gaming commission, which always plays a big role.” He added, “It was a very collaborative effort with county and state officials, from the governor on down. Howard emphasized that the decision wasn’t made in a vacuum. “We’re gearing up for opening first thing in the morning of Friday, May 22.” “I’m not sure I’ve ever been more excited!” longtime General Manager Bruce Howard told The Roadrunner Wednesday morning. ‘We’re not opening in a vacuum’ says GM Bruce HowardĪlmost exactly two months after closing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Valley View Casino will reopen next week.
